Luxury October half term breaks 2024

The fountains and inflatables of the dedicated family pool mean sunbathers won’t be disturbed by joyful squeals. Meanwhile, over at the kids’ club, there’re activities developed with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, plus a staggering eight distinct zones including a scientific area, planetarium, theatre space and rolling gardens.

Unwind by one of eight outdoor swimming pools, keep fit with yoga in the gym or succumb to rejuvenating treatments in the Thalasso Spa. While children from three to sixteen years will enjoy the wonders of Kikoland, with trained entertainers running a variety of activities from football to climbing

No child-friendly stone is left unturned here. Five pools for family splashing sessions strategically dotted throughout the resort, and enthusiastic entertainers at the kids’ club leading treasure hunts around Bahía’s paths and bridges, leaves no time for boredom.

With no less than four outdoor/indoor pools, five restaurants, two bars, a veritable play-paradise for little ones and a child-free sanctuary for the grown-ups, this is a resort that defies the notion that you can’t please everyone.

There’s a distinct Cypriot feel to life in Pissouri Bay, the setting for Columbia Beach Resort on the bay’s two kilometres of Blue Flag beach. A sense of ease settles around life here; little ones have space to roam free while adults can get lost on the resort's fairways.

There's a reason Anassa is named after the classical Greek for ‘Queen’. Perched majestically on one of Cyprus' finest beaches, this luxury hotel masquerades as an authentic Cypriot village with four pools, renowned children's clubs and a fully stocked watersports centre.

Families are ideally placed to explore the Red City. Head to the resort’s kids’ club for a slice of Moroccan heritage with a traditional kitchen, instruments and pottery making; or join a workshop to learn how to brew traditional mint tea and bargain in the souks.

With a name that means ‘soft breeze’ in Berber, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat in the Atlas foothills acts as basecamp for a week of reflection and cultural immersion. There’s a deep-blue reflecting pool,cooking lessons on the rooftop terrace and visiting the local Berber villages partaking in traditional mint tea ceremonies.

Step into an oasis of calm, just ten minutes away from the city’s famous Medina. It’s hard to get little ones out of the Kids’ Kasbah, where they’re found picking herbs or playing with the residents of the on-site farm.

Opportunities for unforgettable family memories come in spades at this dream-like resort. Feel what it’s like to walk underwater in the Ambassador Lagoon surrounded by 65,000 marine animals on an exhilarating Atlantis Aquatrek. Wearing a specially designed state-of-the-art helmet, you’ll get up close and personal with sharks, giant rays and vibrant fish on a family marine adventure you will never forget.

Dip into the full panoply of watersports from sailing and kayaking to Hobie Cats and windsurfing while younger guests can discover the wonders of Dubai  with camel rides, henna painting, Arabian camping and traditional games at the Kids Club.

With an iconic silhouette of a breaking wave on the Dubai skyline, the hotel itself is an even more iconic family favourite. Perhaps because the endless activities here let every member of the family release their inner child. 

Set on its own dot of an island a six minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua and boasting some of the best accommodation in the region, this estate’s reputation often proceeds it.

With its secluded feel and hidden-away coves, this long-established resort is particularly well loved for its fresher take on Antigua’s characteristic easy-going living, away from the hubbub.

In a plum position on a headland with a fabulous beach on either side, this sought-after, all-inclusive is on a mission to keep you in a state of utmost relaxation. It more than delivers.

A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm full of Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home.

Roll out of bed and on to the beach; built on the west shore before Barbados’ coastal restrictions, it’s near impossible to find a greater beachside location than at this legendary hotel.

Tranquil, secluded and very British in manner, this charming boutique hotel in its tropical-garden setting stands out for its warm welcome and genuine hospitality, even by Bajan standards.